Lightburn Hospital

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 29 September 2011.

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Photo of James Dornan James Dornan Scottish National Party

I thank Paul Martin for securing the debate. Like other members, I congratulate the campaigners on what has been a magnificent campaign.

Strangely, this is coming across as a pro and anti debate, but that is not what it is at all. I do not think that there is anybody in the chamber who does not support the campaigners and wish them all the best, and who does not see the difficulties that the closure may well cause.

As has been said, the problem is one of finance but also one of politics. I hate to bring it up, but I am the only politician in the chamber who has previously voted to keep the hospital open. When I was on Glasgow City Council the council leader moved a motion to support the health board’s move to close Lightburn hospital—with, I accept, a couple of provisos based around transport.